What a vehicle recall means, and how to check one for free

A recall means the manufacturer, or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), found a defect that affects safety or fails a safety standard. The manufacturer has to notify owners and offer a fix, and for safety recalls that repair is normally done at a dealer for free.

Why it matters when you buy used

Recall notices go to the registered owner. When a car changes hands, letters can be missed, and plenty of used cars are sold with recalls that were never done. That's not a reason to walk away. It's a reason to check, and to get the repair booked.

How to check a car for open recalls

1. Get the 17-character VIN. It's on the dashboard by the windshield, on the driver's door frame, and on the title and registration.
2. Enter it in our free recall check. It uses NHTSA's recall data and needs no account.
3. For each open recall, note what it covers and whether a fix is available yet. Occasionally parts aren't ready and owners are told to wait.

A real example

Our sample report, a 2012 RAM 1500, lists an open recall for the brake shift interlock (page 5), the part that stops the truck being shifted out of park without the brake pressed. It's exactly the kind of fix a second or third owner might never hear about.

Getting an open recall fixed

• Call a franchised dealer for that brand and give them the VIN.
• Safety recall repairs are normally free. Ask the dealer to confirm before they start, and don't pay for the recall work itself.
• Keep the paperwork. It's useful when you sell the car.

Recalls vs history

A recall check tells you about defects in the car's design or parts. It doesn't tell you what happened to this particular car: accidents, title brands, mileage, owners or service. For that you need the vehicle history report. Checking both before you buy takes a few minutes and covers very different risks.

Check a car's full history too. Enter the VIN for the full Carfax report, $7.99 for one or $3.50 a report in the 20-pack.